Mother Nature thinks it is football season

What gives Mother Nature? I think Mother Nature caught wind that the NFL Draft took place last weekend in New York City.

Over the last week, we got a taste of the hot humid dog days of training camp and the raw fall-like weather ... but, where is spring? Blossoms are starting to pop out on the apple trees and foliage is starting to come back, but the weather has had about as much consistency as the Boston Bruins first-line in their Eastern Conference semifinal series with dreaded Montreal.

At the time of publication Wednesday, the Bruins were entering a winner-take-all game seven in Boston. Boston laid an egg at the Bell Centre, falling 4-0 in Monday's game six.

Nevertheless, football season has unofficially started with the conclusion of the NFL Draft. Bring on the unbridled optimism of football fans everywhere ... yes, even Jacksonville Jaguars fans.

The newest Jacksonville quarterback is Blake Bortles, who the Jaguars selected with the No. 3 overall pick.

My old college roommate, Greg, is an avid Jaguars fan, and he believes Bortles is the man ... this is the same guy who told me Blaine Gabbert, the 2012 Jaguar quarterback draftee, who busted after one season. Not so sure how much credibility I put in my old friend, but Bortles sure does fit in Jacksonville.

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Having played at the University of Central Florida, he is a sure-fire instant fan favorite.

The New England Patriots draft selections did not bring me much excitement.

New England shocked the league when it selected Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley with the No. 29 pick in the first round.

Easley could be a threat off the edge for the Patriots, but he is recovering from two blown ACLs.

Many think the Patriots wasted their first-round pick on a high-risk pick, but with today's medical technology, players are able to overcome ACL injuries much quicker than in years past.

Easley is a tough kid with the ability to get to the quarterback.

Vince Wilfork will surely take the 22-year-old rookie, who will wear No. 74, under his wing. After all, if he performs to his fullest potential, Easley will likely be 'Big Vince's successor when he decides to retire.

The Patriots selected a quarterback in the second round -- a day Patriots fans have been dreading since Tom Brady filled in for Drew Bledsoe in the 2001-2002 season. Face it fans, Brady is nearing the end of his illustrious, Hall of Fame caliber career.

Brady cannot possibly play forever, but he sure will try.

The Patriots selected FCS Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garroppolo in the second round with the No. 62 pick.

Garoppolo is a true pocket-passer, who has the ability to spread the field with deep throws and a crisp whip-like release.

According to NFL.com, Garoppolo is the highest selected quarterback since Bledsoe was drafted in 1993. The Patriots' selection of Florida State center Bryan Stork.

Stork is a six-foot-four 315-pound Rimington Trophy winner,which is awarded to the top center in all of college football. In a report published by the Detroit Free Press, Stork told reporters prior to the draft:

"Whatever team picks me up, whatever they need, I'll do it and I'll probably do it for cheaper than the last guy." Words to Patriots' owner Bob Kraft's ears.

You better believe Kraft will use that line against Stork when his contract negotiations come up. Stork provides much-needed depth on the offensive line with his ability to play guard as well, and he started his career at Florida State as a tight end ... I would not put it out of the question if head coach Bill Belichick used him in a couple goal line situations as an end -- heck, he did it with Mike Vrabel.

Overall, I would give the Patriots a B in the draft. I would've liked to see New England select a tight end, but there will be an opportunity to entertain some potential free agents prior to the season. Football season is not here yet, but if you looked outside, you might think it was with the damp weather we have had as of late.

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